Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

by
Hewitt, Paul G.

Chapter 29 - Think and Explain: 31

Answer

For an opening/object of a given size, diffraction is more pronounced for longer wavelengths.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on page 548, and illustrated in Figure 29.11.
The wavelengths of AM/FM radio waves are thousands of times longer than those of visible light waves.
AM radio waves (wavelengths of 100+ meters) diffract easily around buildings.
FM radio waves diffract with difficulty (their higher-than-AM-radio-frequency means their wavelengths are shorter).
Light waves, with wavelengths of roughly 0.00004-0.00007 cm, hardly diffract around buildings at all.